Jeter helps Yankees to win over Rays

A GRAND NIGHT Curtis Granderson had two home runs, including a three-run shot that sealed the victory as George Steinbrenner’s monument was unveiled

AMERICAN LEAGUE

AP, NEW YORK

Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees helped honor George Steinbrenner with a monumental win on Monday night.

After the Yankees unveiled a huge monument to their late owner Steinbrenner, Jeter singled home the go-ahead run in the sixth inning. Curtis Granderson followed with his second home run of the night, a three-run drive that helped New York to an 8-6 victory over the second-place Tampa Bay Rays in a key AL East matchup.

Winning the opener of a four-game series that started its final homestand, New York (91-59) opened a one-and-a-half game lead over the Rays (89-60).

After Tampa rallied from a four-run deficit, Jeter’s hit off Matt Garza (14-9) followed Brett Gardner’s leadoff infield single and Francisco Cervelli’s hit-and-run single through the vacated hole at shortstop. With New York ahead 5-4, Granderson greeted Grant Balfour with a three-run homer.

Chad Gaudin (1-4) won in relief of rookie Ivan Nova.

TWINS 9, INDIANS 3

In Minneapolis, Minnesota, Danny Valencia and Michael Cuddyer hit home runs and Brian Duensing got his 10th win for the Twins.

The victory cut the Twins’ magic number for winning the AL Central to three. Chicago, which is in second place, played later at Oakland.

Cuddyer’s two-run shot capped the Twins’ four-run sixth after the Indians had closed within 4-3 in the top of the inning.

Jeanmar Gomez (3-5) allowed eight runs and 10 hits in five-and-two-thirds innings, is winless in his last six starts.

ORIOLES 4, RED SOX 2

In Boston, Ty Wigginton had a tiebreaking sacrifice fly and Luke Scott followed with an RBI single in the seventh inning, lifting Baltimore over the Red Sox.

The Orioles, rejuvenated since Buck Showalter took over as manager Aug. 3, won for the 11th time in 15 games. Baltimore won for just the fourth time in their last 21 games in Fenway Park.